From Dakar, Senegal, with roots tracing back in the Fouta , from which came  the mythical  "Voices of the River", ILAM was born in a family traditionally recognized as scholars and nobles,  where music was being reserved for the ancient Griot caste. Nevertheless, he discovered his vocation very early and with his increasingly desire to share his creative expression and his universe to the world.

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He began his career in 2005 in a hip hop group, Beneen Squad , recorded several songs; mixing rap, acoustic and traditional sounds of Senegal. Trained at the National School of Fine Arts at the Music Conservatory , ILAM, as an autodidact learned quickly to play the guitar which encouraged him to start a solo career.​

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Although still unpacking his suitcases, ILAM received already several recognitions and awards to his credit. He was warmly applauded and rewarded at the "Vitrine des Musiques Locales Métissées", a Montreal contest and showcase, receiving both the Award of "Public's Favorite" and "Équipe Spectra's Favorite". ILAM is scheduled to participate in the 2015 edition of the Francofolies Festival of Montreal , one of Montreal's most attended festivals. In addition, in January 2015, the Arts Council of Montreal rewarded ILAM with the prize for the recording of his first demo on Canadian soil soon followed by Quebec's Arts Council and Musicaction support for recording his first EP released in November 2015. In May 2016, Radio-Canada (CBC) has chosen him as their 2016 -2017 World Music Revelation.